From a corporate job in sales and engineering to becoming an internationally recognised abstract artist in just 18 months, Nick Bultman is living proof of why you should pursue your passions. We meet Red Eight Gallery’s hottest new talent
IN JUST 18 months, abstract artist Nick Bultman has skyrocketed to viral success and has more than 300,000 followers across his social media accounts.
Born in Santa Clarita, California and currently living in Gilbert, Arizona, Nick has carved a name for himself producing one-of-a-kind pieces, which have caught the eye of a number of well-known celebrities, including fashion model Winnie Harlow, professional golfer Morgan Hoffman, comedian Rachel Wolfson, US producer and DJ Illenium, and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.
Hailing from a corporate background in sales and engineering, Nick became increasingly frustrated with the lack of freedom to express his artistic intuition. Deciding to take his creative calling seriously, he took the leap from making art as a hobby
to sharing it with the masses.
He says, “At first, it was a social media thing, but then I thought, ‘Wait, I’ve really got something here; I really want to run with this and get out of the corporate life.’”
Despite having no formal art training, he uses a unique blend of computerised digital graffiti-style images with natural paint splashed over the top to highlight the contrast between the digital and physical worlds.
The artist says, “In the majority of my work, I endeavour to show a sharp juxtaposition between symmetrical lines and natural paint movements. This makes my paintings stand out rather than blend into their surroundings.”
Nick spends 90% of his time mixing paints, preparing canvases, masking, planning and executing digital renders. But he says the real magic is in one single focused moment – after several attempts on practice canvases, he paints over the prepared final canvas.
Nick explains, “My brain shuts off, and my body becomes one with my utensil. Since every muscle movement critically affects the overall composition, I will only attempt the movement when I’m prepared and in a flow state.”
He continues to push boundaries with his technique, drawing from his interests in science, technology, engineering and creative arts and creating something that’s never been done before. His influences include trippy psychedelic artists such as Oliver Vernon and ZJ Ratio as well as graffiti artists like Ed-Mun, Fat Heat and Helio Bray.
It’s important to Nick that people have an immersive, sensory experience when looking at his art: “I want people to feel the energy behind my paintings and be inspired by each work’s energy and motion; I want people’s immediate senses to be captivated by the unique forms; for people to stretch their imagination in ways they never thought possible.”
To purchase Nick Bultman’s art, visit Red Eight’s new gallery space at 35 The Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR; 020 7846 4021. redeightgallery.com